How to travel with a cat on a plane
Are you planning to travel with your pet friend on a plane? Whether it's for a family vacation or a permanent move, there are several things you should know to ensure a safe and stress-free trip for both you and your cat.
Documents
Microchip. You need to check which ones the country accepts and if it doesn’t accept yours, you’ll need to bring a microchip reader. I would also add the tag, so in case your cat goes missing, there’s always your information available.
Vaccination.
Rabies for all the pets. The rules might be different depending on where you’re coming from. There are rabies-free and rabies-controlled countries. Based on that you might need to wait more after the rabies vaccine / booster. For us, we had to wait 21 days after the vaccine
Rabies Titer test if you’re coming from a high rabies countries. All the lists can be found online
Health certificate. Within 10 days of travel, you’ll need to take your cat for a checkup by a vet. Ask them beforehand if you need to bring the form or if they have those already. After your cat gets checked, you can go to the authorities (for me it was Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and ask them to endorse the certificates. Endorsements cost 20$ and you’ll need to call them to schedule and appointment beforehand
Carrier
You can either try to find tickets for the airline’s requirements or get a new one. I’ve been eyeing these expandable carries off the Amazon, so the cat can have some extra space. Also, make sure that your carrier is not to heavy, so it passes through the limits. another thing here, the carriers can be hard and can be soft. we’ve decided to fly with the hard one in case someone hits the carrier or drops something, our cat is safe is sound.
Cat’s Carry-On
One of the most important things to consider is what to pack in your cat's carry-on.
Pee pad inside of the carrier + 1 extra. Cats can get nervous during travel, and accidents can happen. To keep your cat and their carrier clean and comfortable, bring along a pee pad or two to place inside the carrier. You may also want to bring an extra in case of emergencies.
Wet food. Bringing along some wet cat food is a good idea, as it provides your cat with hydration and nutrition during the journey. Make sure to pack enough for the entire trip, and bring a can opener if needed.
Dry food in a ziplock. In addition to wet food, pack some dry cat food in a ziplock bag. This can come in handy if you run out of wet food or if your cat prefers dry food.
Collapsible bowls. Collapsible bowls are great for travel, as they don't take up much space and can be easily stored in your cat's carrier or your own bag. Use them for food and water during the trip.
Favorite toy. Bringing along your cat's favorite toy can help keep them calm and entertained during the journey. Whether it's a stuffed mouse or a feather wand, make sure it's something your cat loves and feels comforted by.
Litter box + crystals. If you're traveling by car, you may want to bring a small litter box for your cat. You can use disposable litter boxes or bring a collapsible one that takes up less space. Don't forget to pack some litter crystals to keep the litter box fresh and odor-free.
Wet wipes. Wet wipes can be used for quick clean-ups during the trip, such as wiping your cat's paws or face. They can also be used to freshen up the litter box if needed.
Harness. Even if your cat doesn't normally wear a harness, it's a good idea to bring one along just in case. If you need to take your cat out of the carrier for any reason, a harness can help keep them secure and prevent them from running away.
Paperwork + passport. If you're traveling internationally, make sure to bring along all the necessary paperwork and your cat's passport. This may include a health certificate, proof of vaccinations, and any other documents required by the destination country.
Our experience was smooth. Mishka was a bit nervous but he didn’t meow or anything. We had to take him out of the carrier in the airport but by that time he was already high on meds, so he was pretty calm. I would occasionally pet him, so he feels safe.
Tips and tricks for traveling with a cat
Before buying tickets, check the airlines’ requirements for the pet carrier. Different airlines may have different rules and requirements when it comes to traveling with pets. It's important to research the airline's specific rules before purchasing tickets to ensure that your cat and carrier meet their requirements. For example, some airlines may have weight restrictions for pets and carriers, or may require specific types of carriers. Make sure you are aware of these requirements before booking your flights.
Size matters! I researched all the rules and sizes before flying to Portugal to make sure our cat has enough space and that his carrier fits. Some companies have little to no room for the cats under the sit in front of you, so don’t skip the research part and get a carrier that fits. It's important to make sure your cat's carrier is the correct size and fits within the airline's guidelines. Some airlines may have restrictions on the size of carriers allowed on board or may only allow certain types of carriers. It's a good idea to research this information in advance and choose a carrier that meets the requirements. This can help ensure that your cat is comfortable and has enough space during the flight.
When you're ready, call an airline and buy a ticket for your cat. I’d say do it as soon as possible as the number of animals on board is limited. We paid 100$ with Air Canada. Once you've done your research and chosen an airline, it's time to purchase a ticket for your cat. Some airlines may have a limited number of pets allowed on board, so it's important to book your cat's ticket as soon as possible to ensure that there is space available. It's also important to note that there may be additional fees for traveling with a pet, so be sure to factor this into your budget.
Get your cat familiar with the carrier. I personally just put the carrier in the room and the cat was sleeping in it for the whole week. It's a good idea to get your cat used to their carrier before the flight. This can help them feel more comfortable and less anxious during travel. You can do this by leaving the carrier out in your home and allowing your cat to explore and sleep in it. You can also try putting some treats or toys in the carrier to encourage your cat to go inside.
If you’re not sure about your cat, ask your vet for some meds. Since Mishka is a very gentle and can be easily overwhelmed, our vet gave us 2 syringes of the sedative and I gave it 2 hours before the flight. The meds will kick in in 30 min and will work around 6h. By the end of the flight, Mishka was feeling nervous. If you're concerned about your cat's anxiety or behavior during the flight, it may be worth speaking to your vet about potential medications or sedatives. However, it's important to note that not all cats may need or benefit from these medications, and it's important to discuss any potential risks or side effects with your vet before administering them.
Don’t forget to feed your cat before the flight. If the flight is a long one, you can take some cans and dry food with you. I’d also get the portable plates for water and portable litter box. Make sure your cat has plenty of food and water before the flight. If the flight is a long one, it's a good idea to bring along some extra food and portable dishes for water. You may also want to consider bringing a portable litter box and some litter crystals to keep the carrier clean and fresh.
Get wet wipes. In case your cats poops or pees, you’ll be able to instantly clean it. Traveling with a cat can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen. That's why it's important to have wet wipes on hand to quickly clean up any messes. Not only will this keep your cat more comfortable, but it will also help keep the carrier clean and odor-free during the flight.
Some airlines will not let you open the carrier but you can always stick your hand inside and pet your cat. While some airlines may not allow you to open the carrier during the flight, you can still comfort your cat by sticking your hand inside and giving them a gentle rub or scratch behind the ears. This can help soothe them and make them feel more comfortable during the flight.
Book direct flights if possible. This way you’ll minimize the stress of your pet. Booking a direct flight is one of the best things you can do to minimize stress for your cat. With a direct flight, your cat won't have to deal with the added stress of being transferred to another plane or spending extra time in the cargo hold. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your cat is with you for the entire journey.Don’t forget to update microchip info once you move to a new country. If you don’t do that, your cat will be shipped back to where it came from (if you miss it).
If you're moving to a new country with your cat, it's important to update their microchip information with your new address and contact information. If your cat were to get lost or separated from you, this information will be crucial in reuniting you with your pet. Failure to update the information could result in your cat being shipped back to their country of origin, causing unnecessary stress and expense.
Traveling with a cat on a plane can be a stressful and challenging experience, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and successful journey for both you and your furry companion. Happy travels with your pet!
